Acceptance of diversity within the Greek community was the topic of discussion last night at The Greek Closet.
Hosted by the Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc., the event included a panel of speakers who addressed issues of race, religion and sexual orientation within Greek organizations.
The evening began with a discussion led by Ammar Mufleh, the International president of Sigma Lambda Beta. An alumnus of the University of Toledo, Mefleh explained that the construct of race was a myth and this has created negative consequences.
“Alpha Phi Alpha created a buffer within higher education in order to combat racism and create a comfortable atmosphere,” he said. “We need to utilize the Latino fraternal movement to help solidify our people. We are still in hostile ground.”
Mefleh also pointed out that these Latino and African American fraternities are bound to their communities. Sigma Lambda Beta created a scholarship program that is available to under privileged children. For example, if a Latino child is interested in pursuing a career in engineering, the fraternity would pair them with a Latino engineer who would mentor the child through his/her pre-professional and professional career.
“Greek minority groups are creating avenues to reconnect with cultural roots,” Mefleh said. “Brotherhood and sisterhood doesn’t only mean Greeks – it’s a base level of humanity that supersedes education and socioeconomic status.”
Mefleh said the ethnic-based Greek movement has had a huge impact on his life. He always felt out of place until he was able to connect with Latinos and African Americans at UT.
“Whether you’re Greek, non-Greek, regardless of race, we need to create networks and common ground in order to mobilize,” Mefleh said.
Next, Ron Binder, director of Greek affairs at the University and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, spoke briefly about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community within Greek Organizations.
The big event that ushered the gay-rights movement into the mainstream was the Stonewall Riots of 1969, according to Binder. Simply put, on the streets of New York City, the police force would harass LGBT members until finally people stood up and openly said this needs to stop.
“I remain optimistic about this issue, I believe that we will get to the point where people aren’t going to care who other people date,” Binder said. “We still have a very long way to go, but there has undoubtedly been huge progress made.”
The event ended with Christopher Watkins, a graduate student at the University and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, discussing Greek life in Southern America.
“If you ever get a chance to go to the South, do it; Southern hospitality is real,” Watkins said. “I assumed, BG being a great big school, that there would be tons of interaction between students, not to say there isn’t some, but this room should be packed right now.”